New HampshireDepartment of JusticeOffice of the Attorney General

News Release

For Immediate Release
October 11, 2022

Contact:
Michael S. Garrity, Director of Communications
michael.s.garrity@doj.nh.gov | (603) 931-9375

Brandon H. Garod, Senior Assistant Attorney General
Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau
Brandon.H.Garod@doj.nh.gov | (603) 271-1217

Kevin P.J. Scura, Assistant Attorney General
Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau

Michael R. Smith Sentenced for Stealing Nearly $500,000 from Elderly Woman

Concord, NH – Attorney General John M. Formella announces that today, Michael R. Smith, 60, of Avon Park, Florida, was sentenced in Strafford County Superior Court, to serve 10-20 years in the New Hampshire State Prison on two class A felony counts of theft by unauthorized taking. Smith was also sentenced on three counts of attempted theft by unauthorized taking to an additional 10-20 years in the New Hampshire State Prison, all of which is suspended until 10 years after his release from incarceration. Smith was ordered to pay restitution of $495,043.53 to the estate of the elderly woman.

Smith was convicted of these charges in May, following a jury trial. The jury found that Smith stole $495,043.53 from a 97-year-old woman with whom he was living at the time. The jury also found that Smith attempted to steal additional money from the victim and that the total value of money he stole or attempted to steal was approximately $1.8 million.

The jury concluded that in committing his crimes, Smith intentionally took advantage of the victim's age or mental or physical condition that impaired her ability to manage her property or financial resources or to protect her rights or interests.

This case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Attorney General Brandon H. Garod and Assistant Attorney General Kevin P.J. Scura. This case was investigated by the Elder Abuse and Exploitation Unit of the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office with assistance from the Milton Police Department.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of elder abuse or financial exploitation, please contact your local police department or the Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services (1-800-949-0470).

New Hampshire Department of Justice
1 Granite Place South | Concord, NH | 03301
Telephone: 603-271-3658